At a recent awards ceremony, the Elk Grove Food Bank Services was recognized as the city's Non-Profit of the Year. The award from the Elk Grove Chamber of Commerce was presented to the EGFBS at the 66th annual Recognition Gala, ceremony dinner on Friday, January 12.

Already a well-regarded aid institution in the community, the EGFBS traces its history back to 1973 when it started as a food closet at an area church by the Elk Grove Ministerial Association. Since those humble beginnings, the EGFBS has distributed about five and a half million meals and over nine million pounds of food in Elk Grove and surrounding areas.

EGFBS Executive Director Marie Jachino expressed appreciation the efforts of the over 700 current volunteers who have kept the organization going for over 40 years were recognized for their efforts.

"I am so overwhelmed with gratitude that the Food Bank was recognized," she said. "The past several years the community has embraced our mission and been extremely generous with their support."

In the last several years, particularly during The Great Recession, the EGFBS has not only expanded its food distribution activities, it has also engaged in a variety of community social services. Along with providing mobile distribution, the EGFBS has also launched clothing distribution, nutrition classes, job training and several other services at no cost to clients with

With 94-percent of donations going directly to programs and services, the EGFBS receive some grant money to fund their operation, but the bulk of their food and money donations come from individuals, businesses, and civic organizations. Jachino said the largesse of the people in Elk Grove is crucial to their ability to provide services.

"We deeply appreciate the generosity," she added.

More information on the Elk Grove Food Bank Services can be viewed here.